[Asia] JFDI Asia Bootcamp 2013 Applications Now Open

Singapore-based technology startup accelerator Joyful Frog Digital Incubator (JFDI.Asia) today announced that applications for the first of its two business acceleration programs they intend to run for 2013 is now officially open. As with last year, JFDI.Asia intends to take teams of digital start-up entrepreneurs from idea to investment in 100 days.

Teams accepted onto the program will receive S$25k cash investment, over S$100k in technical facilities, office accommodation, intensive mentoring and an introduction to more than 100 active early-stage investors. The program will start on 14 February 2013 and runs through May. The accelerator program will operate from JFDI.Asia’s new premises at 71 Ayer Rajah Crescent, in the heart of Singapore’s newly-developed digital technology hub.

“We probably cut a year or more off the time it would take an independent business to achieve traction,” says Hugh Mason, co-founder and CEO at JFDI.Asia, which recently announced a strategic tie-up with Golden Gate Ventures to provide mentors for its programs. “That’s why we call it an accelerator. Informally, we also call it a ‘bootcamp’ because it is a life-changing intense experience, like basic military training for entrepreneurs.”

“Traditionally, entrepreneurship has been seen as a game of chance played by individuals born with a special gift. Today, that view is changing,” says Meng Wong, co-founder and “social engineer” at JFDI.Asia. “Around the world, accelerator programs like JFDI.Asia are creating thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in equity value, proving that it is now possible to teach people to think and act entrepreneurially.”

“We believe that innovation need not be a mystery, and that entrepreneurship should not be painful or lonely. Both can be learned, working with peers and guided by mentors,” adds Wong.

Start-ups seeking to apply can do so online until 24 December 2012 at http://jfdi.asia/accelerator/ with teams applying early prioritized for evaluation.

Daniel Goh is the founder and chief editor of Young | Upstarts, as well as an F&B entrepreneur. Daniel has a background in public relations, and is interested in issues in entrepreneurship, small business, marketing, public relations and the online space. He can be reached at daniel [at] youngupstarts [dot] com.